An overheating WiFi router is one of the most common problems during the summer as temperatures rise and add to the heat electronic devices emit.
While router manufacturers have designed their hardware to efficiently operate and withstand up to 40 degrees Celsius, temperatures can easily move to critical levels – beyond the device’s rated maximum temperature.
Keep your router cool this summer with these tips:
- Replace old and outdated routers which are more susceptible to overheating issues. Invest in a newer device.
- Store it somewhere cool, away from the sunlight or any direct heat source.
- Place it on a flat, hard surface where the air can circulate freely around it and heat can escape.
- Buy a cooling mat or pad with a USB fan you can plug into routers with USB ports.
- Switch it off when not in use.
Proper ventilation is critical to extending the life and performance of a WiFi router. Always keep the vents of your router clean and free from accumulated dust and dirt to allow the proper circulation of air. When storing your router, make sure to keep it in a vertical or upright position for better heat dissipation and a cooler device that’s less prone to overheating.
Give the device time to rest and cool down by switching it off when not in use. By the time you’re ready to use it again, it will come back to its full performance once you switch it back on.
Depending on how well you know your router, you may also opt to disable some features which are not in use. Non-critical router services like connection logs can be disabled to minimise the things the router has to do. This will result in better performance and less heat production. However, only fiddle with these settings if you know what you’re doing so you do not end up doing more damage than good.
Activ8me are dedicated to bringing you practical tech advice for your internet-connected home. To know the best internet plans for your home, you can visit our Plan Guru or call sales on 13 22 88. Our friendly representatives will help you choose the best nbn® plan suited for you and your home.